The Neuroendocrine System, Stress, and Massage
In order to improve the quality of their bodywork, most massage therapists focus on learning new techniques to add to their tool belts. But paradoxically, the most important element in successful massage outcomes might not be WHAT techniques you do, but HOW you do them, and WHO you are when you're doing them. In other words, the kind of relatedness you establish with your clients, and your own internal state as you engage with them, may be the most important influencers on the quality and outcome of your work, as well as your clients' overall massage experience. As one psychotherapist said, “Good therapy is 80% who you are and 20% what you do”.
Humans (and all mammals) engage in something called 'limbic resonance', where the internal state of one can deeply influence the internal state of the other, and vice versa. This can happen very rapidly, and often subliminally. To say it another way, others feel and respond to our inner states, and we in turn respond to theirs. We can actually regulate the internal state of another, and they can help regulate us. This is a fundamental and necessary part of human experience, and a huge benefit of massage, whether our clients (and we) know it or not.
In addition, as massage therapists, we are often looked upon as stress-management specialists--our clients are looking for relief from their stresses, and we are not only trying to help them, but are trying to manage our own stresses as well. But what is this thing we call stress? How do we create deep states of calm in ourselves and others? And since stress is not going away, how do we effectively work with it?
In this class we will explore the nature of stress, some of its paradoxes, and how to skillfully work with them. We will examine the anatomy and physiology of the autonomic nervous system and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis of the endocrine system; how those systems upregulate in times of stress, and why. We will investigate the etiology of stress-related diseases and disorders caused by autonomic-neuroendocrine imbalance; they are rampant in our culture. We will then look at how massage can remedy distress and stress disorders, and positively influence health and balance. We will also review some common (and successful) stress management approaches, including yoga, mindfulness-based stress reduction, breathing, counseling, diet, biofeedback, exercise, hydrotherapy, attitude, and loving, supportive relationships. You will learn how to better manage your own stresses, and how to help your clients manage theirs.
"One of the best non-technique classes I've attended in years. I would recommend it to any therapist looking for information related to our field." - BJ Erkan
"The subject and the way the material was explained was challenging but not overwhelming. Bottom line, a sweet spot class." -Barbara Falorni
“Brian tells stories that are funny, engaging, moving, and illuminating. They gave depth and meaning to everything he taught us today.” -Connie Lunan
“Delightfully simplified, robust, informative, and satisfying!” - William John Poll
Instructor: Brian Utting
CE hours: 8 (NCBTMB-approved for CE credit)
Date and Time: Saturday, April 6th, 10am-7pm
Location: Seattle, WA
Tuition: $160. Take both Saturday and Sunday’s classes for only $305.
Registration: This class is sponsored by the Therapeutic Training Center.
Click here to register for Saturday’s Neuroendocrine class only.
To register for both Saturday’s Neuroendocrine class, and Sunday’s Visceral class, click here.
Masking: Masking is recommended but optional in this class—each person can choose to wear a mask or not.